The first bearded iris opened this morning.
Its name is ‘Persian Berry.’
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The First Iris
Dainty Columbines
These gorgeous plants move and mix to supply surprises each spring. Their tiny, black seeds drop as the pods dry.
I have purchased many varieties over the years. The separated ones stay true to color, but the grouped varieties make new color combinations. This habit provides amazing new hues.
The white beside the lower pond has stayed white for years. This looks lovely beside the variegated Solomon’s Seal.
Most of mine are variations of pink and purples. I do have a late bloomer, double, ‘Ruby Port’, that I have kept in isolation. I will share it when it blooms.
I may have lost my tiny favorite , ‘Little Lantern’, which had gorgeous red blooms. I hope it will return.
With Columbines, one never is sure which colors will appear in the spring. That is part of the fun.
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Easy Sedums
I appreciate plants that survive and thrive on there own. Sedums do that.
I have them growing in gravel and between rocks where they were dropped during moving and transplanting.
They have lovely, various shades of green, intricate blooms and unusual shapes.
If you have little time and/or energy but still want a garden, I suggest a small collection of sedums.
They change through the season and need very little care. They thrive in pots, troughs and walls. These can be kept close to sitting areas without them running wild and taking over. They are easy to move, remove and propagate.
WIN:WIN!
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Fiddle Stems
I love ferns for many reasons. I love their fronds, their sori/spore dots and their fiddle heads.
The right ferns in the right spots are nothing but joy… just add water. Here are two of my favorites which are unfurling their fiddles right now.
The bright green Holly Fern fiddles let out little, hairy leaves as they emerge from their rolled up stem.
Autumn Fern fiddles have a strange form as they unfurl.
They look like dark hairy hands held in fists on hairy arms.
These are two very easy ferns that can take some sun and neglect. That’s why they are favorites of mine. I don’t like needy plants.
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Tiny White Epimedium
As soon as the yellow and orange Epimediums reach full bloom, I start watching the tiny, white one.
Its fluttering white flowers sneak out slowly. This plant deserves close inspection.
Its heart-shaped leaves and winged flowers are delicately arranged on almost invisible stems.
This is one of my tiny treasures. Two more will soon follow in posts…Chinese Dunce Caps and Jessop.
My blood runs green.
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Never Hide Magic Eggs
Fairies are tricky. You may give them a simple task that ends in a surprise. This happened a few years ago at the egg hunt. The title was ‘Fairy Egg Hunt with a Hitch’ but maybe it should be changed to ‘Fairy Egg Hunt with a Hatch.’
You will see what I mean if you click on the link below. Like I said…They are tricky!
FLOW and the fairies.
Quince in a Fence
I regret having to imprison my plants, but it is for their own protection. The local deer ate this shrub down to half its size last year.
That’s why its blooms are low to the ground. Quinces usually have a more open form.
This one is Chaenomeles, Double Take, Orange Storm.
Many plants are being moved to safer locations, but I am hesitant to dig up shrubs. My garden is going through a painful transformation due to the deer problem. It has been painful for the plants and the gardener.
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White Features Form
White flowers are unusual in that the lack of color lets the shape of the flower show without distraction.
I have different flowers in their white versions scattered throughout my gardens. Thalia is a great example of this. I have many different colors of daffodils. Thalia’s shape stands out from the yellow crowd.
White also glows in the evening. Use some cooling white in sun or shade.
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Sweet, Little Epimediums
The Epimediums are very delicate looking, but don’t be fooled. They are tough little beauties.
Orange and yellow are the first to bloom. These are tucked up under Autumn ferns and shrubs.
These blooms are complex and are worth close examination.
The orange was a gift from my dear friend Steve Baldwin.
The yellow blooms and spreads like it loves its niche.
These are two of my fairy plants. The blooms seem to have tiny wings.
I love that!
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